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It’s probably safe to say that fans of science fiction are fans of technology. From Star Trek or Doctor Who to the novels of Isaac Azimov or Ernest Cline, technology plays a major role. Usually the capabilities described in those books or TV series are far more advanced than anything we currently use or could even imagine.

However, reality has been rapidly catching up with fiction over the past 20 years, and along with it have come ethical and moral questions only confronted in fictional worlds.

Over the last six years the University of Minnesota Monarch Lab has collaborated with the US Forest Service to reach teachers around the country with the latest in monarch butterfly biology and ecology. In turn, teachers pass the information on to their students and hope to ignite a passion for conservation.

There comes a time in an artist's life when they have the desire and the resources to do what they want, and not worry about what a record label, producer, or even fans are asking for.

Such is the case for Austin-based singer/songwriter Jess Klein. Her latest album is called Learning Faith. Leaning towards a concept album, Klein drew upon raw emotions and the aspect of faith in many areas of life.

"I’ve always had an interest in spirituality. I’ve never had a religion but I’ve always felt a longing to connect to something bigger," says Klein.

Milwaukee Health Commissioner Bevan Baker says the city needs to address its violent crime as a public health threat.

Baker was among the leaders who testified Thursday before Common Council's Public Safety Committee. Its chairman convened the meeting in response to the surge in the city's homicide rate. The count of those killed already matches that for all of 2014, and quite a few of the victims have been children.

Besides passion and drive, filmmakers need money to finish, and even start, projects.

Milwaukee Film recently announced its Brico Forward Fund. The idea behind the fund is to encourage local filmmakers to submit story treatments for new movies. As many as five treatments will then be chosen and awarded a significant financial jumpstart.

Opponents of the downtown Milwaukee streetcar project said they're launching a petition drive to block any potential expansion of the project. That word came after a previous drive fell short of its goal, amid questions over whether it would have carried any legal weight.

Even with plans for the first phase of the streetcar moving forward, many supporters say the project really only represents the tip of the iceberg when it comes to addressing the challenges of transit in the Milwaukee area.

As far as the Milwaukee Police Department knows, the big cat is still at large.

Alderwoman Milele Coggs released a statement on Wednesday saying, "The case is being handled by Milwaukee police and is still active – the sighting has not been cleared and the information provided by witnesses has not been determined to be unfounded."

If you do spot the animal, call 911 - don't try to capture it or take matters into your own hands.